Nintendo has announced that the next generation Nintendo Wii U gaming console will arrive in 2012, most likely for the holiday season. When launched the new gaming console will be available for purchase in the US, Europe and Japan.
The new version of the console will integrate a popular touch-card technology into its controllers. According to Nintendo president Satoru Iwata the device will use NFC, or near field communication, standards that are widely employed in tap-and-go train passes and other payment systems worldwide.
“It will become possible to create cards and figurines that can electronically read and write data via noncontact NFC,” Iwata said in a speech, a copy of which was posted on Nintendo’s web site.
“Adoption of this functionality will enable various other possibilities such as using it as a means of making micropayments,” he added.
Final details about the upcoming Nintendo Wii U console will be announced at the Electronic Entertainment Expo, or E3, a major annual game exhibition to be held this year in June in Los Angeles.
What is known at the moment is that the new Wii U will have a large controller that will resemble a dedicated handheld console, with a touchscreen, motion detection and camera. Its small screen can be used to supplement games played on TVs or replace the larger display entirely.
More information will surely become available with the release day getting closer.
Source: PC World